Philippine Supreme Court upholds Duterte’s martial law in south

Hanoi (VNA) - The Philippine Supreme Court on July 4 upheld the martial law
declared by President Rodrigo Duterte in the southern region, while the country
has been fighting against militants who have links to the self-claimed Islamic
State (IS).

Speaking
with reporters, Theodore Te, spokesman of the Philippine Supreme Court said a
majority of the judges ruled to dismiss the petitions of the opposition
lawmakers, without citing a specific reason.

The
statement was made after opposition lawmakers petitioned the court to review
and nullify President Duterte’s decision.

On
May 23, Duterte declared martial law for 60 days in Marawi city on Mindanao
island after IS-linked extremists besieged some areas of the city and caused
ongoing violence.

To
date, more than 460 people were killed in Marawi clashes, including 300
militants, dozens of soldiers and civilians. Besides, nearly 40,000 people had
to leave their houses in Marawi and neighbouring areas for evacuation.

After
President Duterte made an announcement to likely continue the martial law for
60 days more, Philippine Secretary of Defence Delfin Lorenzana on July 3 said
the country’s security agencies have been evaluated the situation in Mindanao
to make the final decision.

The
Government will support people to rebuild areas which were destroyed by blasts
and air raids, including residential houses, malls, and banks, Lorenzana added.-VNA